BROCKPORT, NY - A game billed as the biggest of the season thus far did not disappoint. The Brockport Golden Eagles and Cortland Red Dragons tied 3-3 Saturday night. Cortland started off red hot in the first period, as goals by Sutter Donegan, Alex Storjohann, and Ethan Homitz put the Red Dragons up 3-0 after just 8:17 of play. As a result, Brockport coach Brian Dickinson called a timeout, and pulled starting goaltender Nolan Egbert in favor of backup Aiden Curry. The decision settled the waters for the Golden Eagles, as Curry stopped every shot he faced for the rest of the game. On the power play, Brockport would get a goal back off a Mitchell Parsons tip-in past Cortland goaltender Luca Durante. Durante stayed hot after a 41 save shutout against #2 ranked Geneseo the night before, stopping 45 of 48 shots against Brockport. The first period ended with Cortland leading 3-1.
The Golden Eagles outplayed the Red Dragons throughout the second period, finally breaking through for a second goal at the 16:02 mark. Andrew Harley tapped in a rebound after a mad scramble in front of the net to make it a one goal game. Brockport continued to control the pace of the game into the third period, but time ticked away without an equalizer. With 18.3 seconds left, they thought they had it, as a shot from behind the net got lodged between Durante's legs and sat on the goal line. The officials ruled that the puck did not cross the line. On the ensuing faceoff, Ryan Romeo set up Anthony Hora for a one-timer, which was blasted past Durante with just 13.8 seconds left. Brockport had come all the way back to tie the game.
In overtime, each team had a power play opportunity, but failed to score, and the game ended 3-3. Brockport remains one point behind Cortland for fourth place in the standings, which would give them a home playoff game. They can finish no higher than third in the standings. Their next home game is Friday at 7pm for whiteout and teddy bear toss night, as the Golden Eagles will take on the Buffalo State Bengals.
PHOTO CREDIT - Kaite Wilson